25
Nov
2014
By Calvin at 10:50 GMT, 9 years ago
I do a lot of surfing to find information for these pages and today I came across this useful advice provided by the Savannah-Chatham police in Georgia USA and published in Savannahnow.com
Here’s just part of it, but how similar this is to the advice you’d get from the British police – except perhaps for a few of the words!
SHOPPING
- Limit the amount of cash you carry. Try to use debit or credit cards when possible and be sure to care for them as you would cash. Keep your account numbers and customer service telephone numbers for each card in a handy place away from your purse or wallet so you can call to cancel the card should it be misplaced or stolen.
- Keep your cell phone in a pocket rather than your purse. If the purse disappears, you will be able to call for help.
- Shop with someone else: The more the better.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Shopping is an exciting time and thieves can prey on those who are not paying attention.
- Park in a well-lighted area.
- Always store all valuables out of sight. Thieves don’t mind breaking your $1,200 window to get a handful of coins. Put all items in the trunk or in areas where they won’t be seen by passers-by.
- Lock your car. Jerking on door handles is easy and once they open, thieves will rummage through the car to see what’s there. At the same time, make sure windows are up.
- Take all keys. If thieves find a spare key, the vehicle probably will be taken.
- In the haste to get bargains, avoid quickly throwing packages in the back seat and running back into the store.
- Consider making your most expensive purchases last so you can head straight home with them.
- Have your keys ready when you approach your car. (Your keys can be used as a defensive weapon if necessary.)
- Look around the car to assure that no one is lurking around or in the car before entering.
- Consolidate smaller purchases into one or two large shopping bags. Never leave purchases unattended.
PERSONAL SAFETY
- Women should hold purses close to their body with the opening facing them. When walking with someone else, keep the purse between you.
- Avoid purses hanging from straps around your neck. A purse snatcher can harm you with it. If someone grabs the purse, let it go. Nothing in it out-values your safety.
- Keep your mobile phone in a pocket rather than the purse.
- Never leave your purse in the shopping cart or on a chair of a restaurant, even if you are close by.
- Men should consider keeping their wallets in their front pocket rather than hip pockets or jackets.
- And one from me! If you able to, always use a Park Mark Safer Car Parking facility
For the rest please go to Savannahnow.com http://savannahnow.com/news/2014-11-24/savannah-chatham-police-offer-tips-safe-holiday-shopping
